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The Federal High Court in Abuja has set October 31, 2025, to announce its decision regarding the issue of jurisdiction in a lawsuit brought by former House of Representatives member Farah Dagogo. This suit challenges President Bola Tinubu’s constitutional authority to suspend democratically elected officials during the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.
The case, No. FHC/PH/CS/50/2025, names as defendants the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (Rtd.), who served as the Rivers State Administrator during the emergency rule period.
During Friday’s hearing, the plaintiff's attorney, Babafemi Adegbite, presented his written arguments supporting the court's jurisdiction to hear the case.
Presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, after considering submissions from both parties, reserved his ruling and postponed the case until October 31.
After the proceedings, Adegbite reiterated his client's position that President Tinubu overstepped his constitutional authority by suspending elected officials in both the executive and legislative branches of the Rivers State Government.
He stated, “Even though they have now been reinstated, the action remains unconstitutional. We need a definitive judicial ruling to prevent similar situations in the future.”
Adegbite emphasized that the reinstatement of the affected officials does not render the case moot, highlighting that the fundamental issue concerns constitutional integrity and the limits of presidential power.
He further clarified that Dagogo’s lawsuit is distinct from previous emergency rule cases that were dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction, asserting that the facts and legal issues in this instance are different.
“We made the court aware that our case is clearly distinguishable from those dismissed earlier,” he remarked.
“After presenting our submissions, the court reserved its judgment until October 31,” he added.
Initially filed at the Port Harcourt Division of the Federal High Court, the case was subsequently transferred to the Abuja Division following a directive from the Attorney General of the Federation to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ruling date for the court case?
The court is scheduled to deliver its ruling on October 31, 2025.
Who are the defendants in the lawsuit?
The defendants include the President of Nigeria, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Senate of Nigeria, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (Rtd.).
What is the main issue at the heart of the lawsuit?
The main issue is whether President Tinubu had the constitutional authority to suspend elected officials during the emergency rule in Rivers State.
